Andrea Anderson has no clue of the thoughts churning around in the dark and dangerous ex-con’s head as he enters her classroom. In fact, she’s momentarily lost for words. Not in her entire teaching career has she had a student who looked quite like Stu Cross.

A widow at just twenty-eight, love is something Andie hasn’t considered a part of her life for a very long time. However, when lingering touches turn to whispered words and hot, searching stares, she begins to wonder if maybe she should take a leap of faith.

But Stu is in her class for a reason, and it has nothing to do with love. He’s there to burrow his way into her life and repay a debt, otherwise his family will suffer. Andie is the first person to show him true kindness since he left prison, and though he doesn’t want to mislead her, he doesn’t have another choice.

Before long, Stu can’t tell whether or not he’s acting anymore, and his feelings for Andie could throw all of his carefully crafted plans into complete and utter disarray.

I love LH Cosway’s books! They are like a fuzzy blanket and hot cocoa on a cold day—her words and characters cocoon you and make you feel all cozy and warm inside. I have enjoyed this series since the beginning and each book makes me love her writing and characters even more.

Andrea is a young widow and adult-education teacher. Her goal in life is to be a good person and to help others reach their full potential. She’s a bit mousy, lives with her cousin, and isn’t really living life after the death of her husband and the mountain of debt it left behind.

Stu is a former car thief who has just been released from prison. He shows up to Andrea’s class and nothing is the same for either of them after that. Unfortunately, Stu has ulterior motives for getting to know Andie, of which she is unaware. Stu has some tough choices to make and getting involved with his teacher is the least of his worries.

I knew of Stu from previous Hearts books and he always came across as a Neanderthal meathead who didn’t have much of a brain. I’m happy to report that Stu is nothing of the sort! He’s actually a wicked-smart, dirty-talking genius. Who knew?

I loved seeing Andie come out of her shell and start feeling again. She was so caught up in helping others that she couldn’t see that she needed to help herself. Her cousin, Alfie, and the other secondary characters helped make the story complete. I loved Alfie, though. He’s such a character! I am curious to see if will have another story written about him. Whether that happens or not, I am certainly ready for the next story about the Cross brothers.

About LH Cosway

L.H. Cosway has a BA in English Literature and Greek and Roman Civilisation, and an MA in Postcolonial Literature. She lives in Dublin city. Her inspiration to write comes from music. Her favourite things in life include writing stories, vintage clothing, dark cabaret music, food, musical comedy, and of course, books.